Samyang 85mm f/1.4
The Samyang 85mm f/1.4 is a prime lens known for delivering dreamy bokeh and sharp portraits at a price that doesn’t punch your wallet in the face. It's available for multiple mounts, including Sony E-mount, and is often seen as an affordable alternative to pricier 85mm options from major brands. While it’s not perfect, it offers serious bang-for-your-buck if you're after creamy depth and flattering compression.
What This Lens is Good At
The 85mm focal length is a classic for portraits—tight enough to compress facial features, but not so tight you feel boxed in. At f/1.4, it produces buttery separation between subject and background. This lens shines in wedding portraits, bridal close-ups, and detail shots where you want to isolate your subject with that cinematic, shallow depth of field.
Pros, Cons, and Quirks
The upside? It’s sharp wide open, surprisingly lightweight, and often comes in hundreds of dollars cheaper than its name-brand competition. But some distortion and chromatic aberration may creep in, especially in high-contrast and super sunny scenes—but nothing unfixable in post.
Who This Lens Is For
Photographers who want that “85mm look” without committing to a $2,000 lens will appreciate the Samyang. It’s a smart choice for wedding shooters, portrait artists, or anyone wanting to level up their lens game without going broke. If you’re okay with a few quirks and willing to shoot around its limitations, it delivers big image quality for the price.